(Photo: Grace Johnson/WCSN)
PHOENIX — Arizona State baseball head coach Willie Bloomquist knows what makes a talented baseball player.
Splitting time between the Sun Devils’ infield and outfield from 1997-99, Bloomquist quickly blossomed into a star, finishing his three-year tenure with the third-highest batting average and fourth-most runs scored in school history. Bloomquist departed ASU a year early, being selected by the Seattle Mariners in the third round of the 1999 MLB Draft. What followed was a 14-year professional career during which Bloomquist logged 18 home runs, 225 RBIs and a .269 batting average before retiring in 2015. Six years later, he was named the head coach of ASU, bringing him back to a program he reached Omaha playing for.
Now in his second year at the helm, Bloomquist understands what it takes to be successful against the nation’s best college athletes. And on Tuesday, after big performances by junior second baseman Luke Keaschall and freshman shortstop Luke Hill fueled No. 17 ASU’s (28-12, 13-4 Pac-12) 9-1 victory over Cal State Fullerton (15-3 Big West), Bloomquist shared his perspective on the middle infielders’ bright futures.
“Those two are way more talented than I was,” Bloomquist said postgame. “I’ve turned the page as a player, but at times, you know what they’re thinking. You know what they’re feeling because I’ve been in those shoes before… I’ve been there. Not quite as good as they’re doing.”
The two players drawing such praise from an ASU legend is indicative of the promise each has shown.
Keaschall is 40 games into an MLB Draft-caliber season that’s seen him near the top of many Pac-12 statistical categories. Since his first plate appearance as a Sun Devil in February, the highly-touted San Francisco transfer has played as advertised, boasting 60 hits, 21 doubles and 45 RBIs — all top-five in the Conference of Champions.
He had another monster game against the Titans, recording a season-best five hits, two doubles and his team-leading eleventh home run of the year — a 407-foot solo shot that easily cleared Phoenix Municipal Stadium’s center-field wall. But what’s even more eye-popping is that his five knocks came in five at-bats, making him the first Sun Devil to achieve such a feat since Gage Canning in 2018. But instead of reflecting on his preparation or approach, Keaschall credited his standout game to an outside factor.
“Honestly, a couple days ago, I took a bracelet from Luke Hill, and it’s gotten me a lot of hits,” Keaschall said jokingly. “100% credit. I think its the power in the bracelet, honestly.”
“You’re welcome,” Hill responded, playing along.
Even if the bracelet in question is capable of providing such a boost, Hill did fine without it on Tuesday, contributing a three-run jack in the sixth inning that gave ASU a commanding 7-1 lead. With a .347 average and 33 RBI on the season, this type of production has come to be expected, as the former No. 4 overall prospect in Louisiana firmly sits in the Pac-12 Freshman of the Year conversation.
The young shortstop’s talent is undeniable, and part of the reason for Hill’s quick adjustment to the college game is the bond he’s formed with his partner in the middle infield — one that goes beyond sharing a first name.
“They have really developed, from what I can tell, a pretty good relationship out there in the middle,” Bloomquist said. “I’ve told Luke Hill that if you want to know what it’s like to be a baseball player, follow Luke Keaschall around and just watch what he does. That’s going to be the best way for you to learn how to be a pro and how to be what you’re supposed to be as a baseball player. I think he’s taken to that.”
Upon his arrival in Tempe, Keaschall became viewed as a leader in the ASU clubhouse. However, Hill didn’t have to actively search for guidance. Since the preseason, Keaschall took the freshman under his wing, acting as a role model for a player that looks to be a big piece of the Sun Devils’ future.
As is the case with most freshmen, the Baton Rouge, Louisiana native has faced his fair share of growing pains while adjusting to Division I baseball. For Hill, the biggest challenge has been lapses in the field. Perhaps his toughest game was last Saturday against Oregon State when he accounted for three of ASU’s five errors on the night. While Hill was frustrated, Keaschall made sure to hold him accountable.
“I would say a lot of people gave me a little talk [on Saturday]… Even Keaschall did, rightfully so,” Hill said following Sunday’s game. “Thank you for that.”
At the end of the day, Hill has a long college career ahead of him, and “freshman mistakes” are inevitable. However, his relationship with his partner in the middle infield will undoubtedly make him a better player down the line.
“There’s still room to grow for Luke Hill,” Bloomquist said. “I told [Keaschall], ‘You just stay on him. If you start seeing him fade out and lose focus, you grab him…’ Sometimes guys gotta feed off each other, and [Keaschall] has done an outstanding job with him.”
